We had a huge dinner in celebration of Polish Peter’s new daughter, Feng Feng. And by huge I mean I don’t think I’ve been to a dinner that big since the Weifang City Foreigners Banquet.

On the way to dinner I had a rather interesting run in with a new student. Julie, Charlotte, Roina (Charlotte’s beautiful baby daughter) and I ran into one of my students as we were waiting to catch a cab. I had volunteered to push the stroller as we were in our complex and never even contemplated how it might adversely affect my reputation. My student approached me and quickly began oohing and awing over Roina. She introduced herself as my student, they are are all new so I had no idea so I just smiled and nodded, that is until she started directing Roina’s compliments at me. I quickly pointed the finger at Charlotte vigilantly naming her the mother. Just what I need a rumor around school that I have a baby. So I guess pushing the stroller will no longer be an option even within my own complex, and I thought moving off campus equaled freedom. So if and when pictures of a baby girl begin showing up on my blog lets make this clear. I did not sign up for a second year to hide a pregnancy. And if you happen to hear such a rumor please squash it. Remember this is Kayte you are talking about the longest I stay in the presence of a single child is about an hour, two of a good day.

My new Dinner Pal

With that said the Dinner.

The next part might come as a shock goodness knows it did to me. Peter now has two daughters, the eldest is Monica, who for some strange reason has taken a liking to me. Whenever we go out for dinner I’m her playmate and dinner partner. Mind you the first time we met she wouldn’t speak more that two words to me but now I get rather enthusiastic Chinese and just enough English to catch her drift. Thank goodness she knows Polish is only for her father because that would be completely out of my element.

Julie is in the corner.

The dinner was to celebrate Monica’s new sister and the unofficial meet the new foreigners dinner. I was shocked at all the new faces when I walked into the room. Good thing Brad reserved the BIG room.

L-R Andrew, Manuel (German), John (American), Brad, Didn't catch his name, Leah, Ryan is leaning over Mary-Chris

There are two more pictures of people but wordpress isn’t cooperating. Needless to say there were tons of people many of whom I didn’t know. The night was filled with talking and food. Have you ever seen a Lazy Susan that big! We decided with the effort it took to turn that thing we’d call it Work-Out Susan, it wasn’t really suited for lazy people.

Monica and I had a fun evening playing with my pearls although she was disappointed I didn’t ware my separating butterfly ring, sometimes I think she only likes me for that piece.

Dinner was delicious. I walked home this evening with Charlotte and Roina. The weather is finally cooling off and it was a pleasant stroll.

I admit I’m a slow learner oh and I have a very bad habit of forgetting perfectly sound lessons. The past two days have been frustrating to say the least. To be completely honest I’m having trouble deciding which parts are the most aggravating, the situations that start the frustrations are the ending results that eliminate my ability to complain. I’m a complainer, when you take that I way I guess I’m just fumbling for something to say and silence is just something not to be stood for. To my mother’s utter horror I made the following quote my motto all through my teenage years:

Ah! Oh, don’t the days seem lank and long
When all goes right and nothing goes wrong,
And isn’t your life extremely flat
With nothing whatever to grumble at!
~ William Schwenck (W.S.) Gilbert, Princess Ida (1884 opera). Act III

The past two days have seemed like the world has turned against me, from ridiculous class decisions to being swindled out of ¥500. But as I’m in the middle of writing a perfectly sound rant to upload to my blog blessings come pouring in and I just can’t complain. I actually delete the Note and start laughing at the entire situation. I know Mother, I’m recording this in hopes of remembering in the future. Here are a few examples.

Yesterday the Chinese teacher I work with for the young class asked if I was up for class by the river. As I mulled over the plan I knew it was a bad idea but couldn’t pass up the chance at reduced class time. Why a rambunctious class of eight year-olds who can’t managed to sit still in an air conditioned classroom would sit still in humid 98*weather by a river beats me but hey for less class time in front of them I’ll do just about anything.   Things just seemed to go from bad to worse throughout the entire expedition including arriving late back at the school. I was tired cranky and dripping sweat when I finally arrived at my lunch appointment with Kelly. The unproductive trip to the train station after lunch did nothing for my mood and I was fuming by the time I caught a bus home empty handed. But then came the most undeserved blessing of the month. As I reached my apartment I caught up with Julie the new French teacher. I helped take up her groceries and chilled at her place for a while. As I ranted about the horrors of purchasing train tickets in China she chuckled and then did the unthinkable. “Since you have to work tomorrow I can go back to the train station in the morning and get your tickets for you. Just give me the times and dates.” I was dumbfounded. I quickly backtracked and declined the offer. She obviously didn’t know what she was agreeing to. It was at least a two hour errand, it wasn’t like she was running my trash down the stairs. She insisted it was not a big deal as she had nothing to do in the morning and this would give her an opportunity to see more of the town. Finally, on the verge of tears with gratitude I wrote down the information and remained horrified at all the bitter feelings I’d been accumulating all day. I doubt Julie had any idea what the offer alone did for my morale. I was on cloud nine the rest of the day.

Late that evening Kelly called with exciting news, she had ran into Polish Peter at Walmart and was informed of a Train Ticket Booking Office around the corner. She gave me the directions and insisted it was a breeze. I was grateful to be able to call Julie and cancel her ticket run in the morning. I still felt terribly guilty about accepting her offer.

As for today, the big hoopla was my Summer Salary. It had been a struggle and a half to negotiate my terms and I had anticipated problems so came to the meeting prepared. I had printed and kept my weekly schedule and had to remind them of extra classes added last minute. In the end I was still jipped Y500 but have learned sometimes its just not worth the argument. I left determined to black list the school and began writing my daily post. But Heavenly Father was determined to stop the bitter feelings before they could germinate too long. I had a few errands to run and as usual anticipated frustration, miscommunication and more bad luck.

Instead things couldn’t have gone more smoothly. I found the ink refill stall in the Technology Market immediately and discovered that it was only Y10 to refill both my black and color cartridges. I think I confused the poor couple as I was so shocked with the price. After that I quickly found the wonderous Ticket Booking Office and managed the entire transaction in Chinese. To top it off the attendents were helpful and actaully slowed down and repeated things in Chinese instead of reverting to poor English. The blessings didn’t stop there as I caught the bus home a sweet Chinese Lady smiled and said “你好” . That’s all I really want a friendly greeting in Chinese every now and then. Not the constant screaming of “HEELLOO” behind you back from crude shirtless men. Oh and I forgot to mention that Kelly called and asked if she could come by with lunch, my choice, she’d meet me in about an hour. I declined the offer as it was out of her way but she was insistent and who am I to kick a gift horse in the mouth.

At this point I had to make a comment so I begged for the blessings to stop. Seriously Heavenly Father after this morning’s event all I wanted to do was wallow in self pity. I wanted a good well deserved rant towards all those that had made my last two days miserable but all I could manage was a happy light soul with nothing but positive thoughts. I almost burst out laughing as the rain broke as I stepped into my building. It down poured for two hours straight once I reached my apartment and I had forgoten my umbrella today, boy would that have been a disaster.

As I sat down at the computer Victoria Skyped and we had a good laugh as I relayed the last few days.

Why is it that no matter how hard I’ve tried the last two days to write my usual scathing posts of the atrocities of living in China all I can reflect on are the abundant blessings and tender mercies my Heavenly Father has bestowed these last few days. With my iPod I’ve started writing posts as they happen or on the bus between events. But within the hour something changes my mood and the feelings of frustration and self pity dissolve. For goodness sake can’t I just have one hour, one miserable hour to be my old self to find nothing good with my current situation and no sliver of sunshine on a stormy day.

So here is my Lesson learned: no matter how hard the situation there are always blessings around the corner that will lighten ones mood if you let it. I truly do live a charmed life and I spend too much time dwelling on the bad rather than appreciating the good. It is a better feeling going to bed each night reviewing the blessings in your life rather than your misfortunes. Now may I please remember this over the next year as I know many more frustrating days are ahead.

I had been dreading today to be perfectly honest. Every time I went between apartments I’d load myself up like a pack mule and take the essentials.  I wish I could have settled at that but Kelly was more then ready to have my stuff gone.  

It is absolutely amazing how much junk one can accumulate in one year even when you are expressly trying not to. Originally my packing goal was to do a trail-run for my return trip to the States but as I had already lugged various essentials over to the new place and I didn’t have extra boxes for the rest, so I nixed the idea and must admit I’m glad it worked out that way. I got the surprise of my life when my clothes alone filled a single suitcase. My other large suitcase was filled with JUNK seriously I was throwing in all my random junk that had no home. 

I started packing Thursday night as Wendy and Peter were kind enough to offer to help move everything with their car Friday afternoon.  By the end of the night I’d amassed a sizable hill near the front door. I’d resolved two trips were most likely necessary. Really I couldn’t believe how many things I’d accumulated.  

Wendy and Peter showed up at two as promised and the argument began. Wendy and Peter do above and beyond on a continual bases for which I am eternally grateful. But before we started moving anything I made Wendy promise me two things: 1) at the end of the day I got to fill up the gas tank 2) dinner was on me. Wendy did her usual protest and I pulled my usual I’m not listening, my way or the highway routine. Finally she said she’d agree to one. I knew full well what she meant but that didn’t prevent me from twisting the statement in my favor later.  Blaming mistranslation makes getting your way so much easier. 

And that's only the half of it. I know SICK.

I don’t know how he did it but Peter is my hero. Somehow he got my mountain of belongings ingeniously packed in their China version of a Kia. I felt awful that Wendy elected to sit in the half a seat left in the back while I scored the front but Wendy just won’t budge on some things.  So that which looked like an arduous afternoon of packing wasn’t so bad after all.  

The ride door to door between  apartments is shockingly short. It’s just the walk to the buses and the inevitable wait that turns a fifteen minute drive into a 45 minute adventure. 

At the end a raincheck was made for dinner due to time constraints and yet another disagreement erupted over the gas reembursment. But as usual I won out with mistranslation on my side. 

At the new apartment we got everything unloaded and happily sat under the AC.  I also managed to pawn off those horrible buckwheat pillows on Peter. One man’s nightmare is another’s treasure. I’m still disappointed their is no goodwill stores I can donate to here, I hate throwing out perfectly usable items. 

So I guess that’s it. From here on out the old apartment shall be referred to as Kelly’s place.   

We took a day trip to see the Le Shan Buddha. The drive to Le Shan was beautiful. The countryside in the Southwest is so different from Shandong. It is lush and green with various crops.

Tea Fields covered the hills

The river often floods

The Leshan Giant Buddhawas built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). It is carved out of a cliff face that lies at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers in the southern part of Sichuan province in China, near the city of Leshan. The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below his feet. It is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world and at the time of its construction was the tallest statue in the world.

The largest Buddha in the world

The Leshan Buddha has been greatly affected by the pollution caused by the unchecked industry in the area.

Stairs asecnding the mountain

The Gang

 On the trip we met two couples who have been teaching English for the past year in China. Sue and her husband taught in Xi’an.

The gang and Sue Wood

Good Food and Excellent Company

During the summer, BBQ restaurants pop up all across town. Wendy had told me, Peter and she loved the BBQs along Shui Ke Lu. Kelly and I joined them for dinner and had a wonderful time. The BBQ restaurants are really just huge tiled areas with low tables and folding stools out front. They are a cultural phenomenon. When the evenings cool off people head to the BBQs to socialize and eat, sometimes for hours. Wendy said a single restaurant can clear over ¥50,000 a summer.

The BBQ here is delicious, skewers of thin slices of meat, vegetables and tofu. Most of the BBQ’s come from the north western province of Xinjiang. The spices are an earthy herb mixture with plenty of kick. The meat is typically mutton or goat as Xinjiang has a high Muslim population.

The game in the background.

I was shocked to find the extreme enthusiasm for soccer in China. You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a screen playing the games at night. It seems like I’m back in Argentina. The BBQ place had a projector out front and the tables were full with engrossed fans. Peter and I stumbled through a Chinglish conversation about of favorite teams. We both agreed on Argentina!

For Beth’s Birthday we did the traditional dinner although we went upscale this time and went to the Mayflower. Quick story behind that, I was designated as the texter and sent out the invites when I got three different confirmations for various locations. I’d never been to the Mayflower so when I discovered there were four in town I was thrown into a confusing mess trying to arrange the location. But in the end it all work out for a delicious meal.

Weifang and Fangzi teachers

Duck wraps with plum sauce most definitely one of my favorites.

A meat bridge. Yes those are potato chips beneath.

Nothing beats a Chinese Birthday candle.

Sunday we drove to Yentai. The tour guide had scheduled a tour of the Wine Museum. I opted out and went to the Municipal Museum with a few others instead.

The drive from Penglai to Yentai was rather interesting. It is a wine area and as you pass the vineyards every so often you see a French Chateau, no joke. I wish I had gotten a picture to prove it. The Chinese love to imitate that’s for sure. It was so random, rundown cinder block homes, dusty vineyards, yup French Chateau!

Yentai has a very modern feel

The Community Center

The Temple of the Sea Goddess

The oldest Buddha statue I've seen so far

The old Yentai Hutongs

The trip was short and sweet. I would like to return to Yentai as there seems to be much more to see. There is a mountain to the south that is famous for its temples and pagodas. I have a few students from Yentai and hope to return this summer.

I’m slowly visiting the sites in Qingdao and by slowly I mean a napping tortoise has seen more of Qingdao than I. To continue the prolonged tour I scheduled a weekend with Beth. I had it all planned, the spice market, Zhongshan Park, the pagoda, the temple, the beach, Catholic Cathedral and of course Jimo for the newbie Beth.  Of the entire list we hit two. Not exactly my idea of a successful trip. So here is how our misadventure started…

We had gotten tickets for the 4:30pm fast train, and pulled out at 6:30pm. We got to Qingdao and found a cab to the hostel. I had looked up rooms the week before and saw plenty of rooms I was having trouble booking online so I figured I’d take my chances, for future reference BAD idea. I had brought information for back up accommodations and knew if all else failed we could crash at Victoria’s.

We called hostel number two and they had two beds in a mixed dorm available. We told them we were on our way and jumped in a cab. The driver, we learned 20 frustrating mins later, dropped us off on the back side of the hill. We got out of the cab and found ourselves in a deserted back alley at the foot of a dark and uninviting hill. We Called the hostel again for directions and were told to our horror there were no beds! I explained I’d called 5 min ago and was told there were two beds. She checked with the other receptionist and apologized for the mix up.  She gave us directions and then said she would stand outside and wait for us, we finally made it and realized she had walked down the other side of the hill. When she showed us the room available Beth and I both panicked inside. It was an overflow dorm separated from the complex and full of middle aged Chinese men, not exactly the company I felt comfortable sleeping with so far from the hostel.

In the end I couldn't have wished for better lodgings.

We apologized for the inconvenience but declined the room. Sophia, the receptionist said she understood and offered to help us find accommodations elsewhere. We figured she’d give us a car and send us on our way. To our surprise she grabbed her sweater, a flashlight and the other receptionist. She even asked if we had eaten yet and grabbed some muffins for the trip. She walked us to a hotel 15min away and arranged our room and everything.

Spacious with a view

The room was spectacular and upon their insistents we got a room with a great view of the courtyard and the city. We settled in and then went out for a quick bite.

The creaky old floors just enhanced the character.

The next morning we were up and about ready to hit Jimo when it opened at 9am. I was hoping for a quick morning be in and out by 12 for lunch and on our way to see the rest of the town. I had a list of sites to hit. That did not happen! But here a few of my purchases that  somehow took 5 hours!

My one purse indulgence - not to be used in China due to color

yes - I agree my pearl obession is on the version of meriting an intervention

Sonny - The best pearls in Jimo!

I have to admit I was thrilled when Beth stumbled across a jean shop that sold my size!! I am saved. I’ve just about warn the seat out of a few of my jeans I no longer have to live in fear of being pantless for the next year. We ended up leaving Jimo at closing time around 5pm! Never again!!

We headed to our hotel for a nap then met Kelly for dinner at the Diner. It was delicious of course but then again western food tastes so so good after not having it for a month. Although the repercussions of stuffing your face with diary heavy western food can at times be uncomfortable late. The Diner was full of westerners as usually and a large group of Europeans were occupying the center tables. Their children were all playing together and we almost forgot we were in China.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning we got up a little late and headed straight for the Catholic Cathedral. It is only open before 9am on Sundays and I was extremely keen on seeing it. We got to the gates about 8:45 and decided to take a quick look. We soon realized that mass was starting and as they handed us the liturgy in English we decided to stay. It was an amazing experience. The Service was in Korean, so I felt a little at home as half of my church is in Korean due to translation.

Where there's one there is always a dozen others

As on any good clear day were were half a dozen couples taking wedding photos around the city at different scenic locations. Wedding photos in China are taken when convenient not following the ceremony. Some are taken the week in advance or even months late if it is more convenient.

Exploring the area around the Hotel and Jimo…

New York Library anyone?

Now this is what I call a Farmer's Market!

The old Government Building - German Style

During lunch the downpour started. It didn’t let up for about four hours. We hid out for lunch then raced to Book City. At the bus stops I finally gave up trying to stay dry and gave into the fact that I would remain soaked the rest of the day. I was literally pouring water out of my shoes. I should have worn flip-flops!

At Book City I had a rather interesting adventure. I took the ACT test or at least part of it. As I was browsing through the Chinese Textbooks a student approached me asking for some help. Could I please define, scrutinize. Humm, the epitome of teaching English learning to define large words without using large words. I did my best and the conversation proceeded from there. The student had just take the ACT test and would like to review his answers. To my surprise he pulled out the test booklet and started referring to all the questions he had reservations about. He asked my opinion on each and again I did my best but I told him that was no guarantee. There is this belief in China that if you are a native English Speaker all our tests are a walk in the park. What they don’t realize is unlike Chinese education we don’t spend our entire academic career with our nose in test booklet, just the better half of the second semester. Well, after that test boy was I glad I decided on COS and I didn’t have take any college entrance tests, I really don’t know how I would have fared.

We spent the afternoon working on our Chinese and caught the train home around 7pm. Overall, I bearly touched my laundry list of things to see but it was an enjoyable trip none-the-less.

He informed his school of his intention and got permission to use the school’s kitchen provided he bought all the food. He teaches at a non boarding elementary school which is deserted on the weekends. His original guest list included 30 odd people, why else would he need a cafeteria sized kitchen for preparation.

Come Party day, or rather the hour before the party was to start, his school was shocked to discover the number expected and refused to let him have that many people on the school grounds. Mind you this was after all the food was bought and prepared. After a rather heated discussion, the school agreed to pay for a restaurant close by. We got permission to bring the American food and set up the BBQ on the restaurant’s roof to grill the hamburgers.

After a million texts and rearrangments the group who had already arrived at the school headed to the restaurant sending instructions to the rest of the group. We were a lively bunch and trucking all the food up three flights of stairs was no small feat.

Real American BBQ food..delicious! The Birthday Boy! Hamburgers anyone?

Plenty of pasta salad

 The Chinese guests who came were not fond of the American food. Luckily for them the school purchased a round of Chinese dishes that they feasted on.

'all the fixin's

The ultimate Chinglish shirt

Firecrackers inside...where were the waiters to stop this?

Luke and Charlie - the world's best Kids

Skype has revolutionized living abroad. I remember feeling cut off and isolated from my family while in Argentina. We could IM but it just wasn’t the same, video quality was bad and the sound was always distorted, and that was only on a good day.

Skype, don’t get me wrong has it’s quirks but it is light years beyond IM. Or maybe I just feel that way because of the people I am know able to stay in touch with. My family, number one of course but runner up is most definitely these two gorgeous bundles of energy above.

"Can you show my your funny face?"

After spending a spring with these two I was hooked. For those who know me I’m not much of a kid person. Okay I’m not a kid person at all, but these two are my exceptions. They have always brightened my day, and now that I’m in China with Skype they are still able to do that. Here are the pictures that have recently brighten my week.

I can hardly believe how much Charlie has grown. When we were talking she kept asking if she could come over to my house, ahh. Tug at the heart when I had to tell her I was still away, yes Kayte has a heart.

After Nick reminded her I was still in China she changed her tactics, “I want to go to China with you Kayte!” I miss you too Charlie.

Luke then practiced some of his Chinese with me, he’s been watching Ni Hao KaiLan. Charlie tried her hand at a foreign language but ended up with a Vietnamese greeting.

Look at those grins

Charlie is still learning to talk into the camera rather than the screen. When we high five Luke will go for the camera, and Charlie goes for the screen.

Thanks for the pep talk this week! Talk to you soon.